Best gaming CPUs under £100. Compare budget processors for 1080p and 1440p gaming with performance benchmarks.
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The i5-12400F offers solid gaming performance at a competitive price point. With 6 cores and 12 threads, it handles most modern games at 1080p and 1440p without bottlenecking mid-range GPUs. The lack of integrated graphics (F variant) keeps costs down, making it ideal if you already have a dedicated graphics card.
This 6-core processor delivers strong single-threaded performance for gaming, though you may find it near the upper end of the budget. It pairs well with RX 6600 XT and RTX 3060 Ti graphics cards for smooth 1080p gameplay. The older architecture means slightly higher power consumption than newer competitors.
At the budget end, the i3-12100F provides respectable gaming performance with 4 cores and 8 threads. It struggles with CPU-heavy titles but remains competent for esports games and lighter titles at high refresh rates. A sensible entry point if you're upgrading from older hardware.
An older but capable option, the Ryzen 5 4500 matches the i5-12400F in gaming performance while potentially costing less on the secondhand market. Six cores make it suitable for streaming or content creation alongside gaming. Availability may be limited as retailers clear older stock.
Previous generation performance at budget prices. The 6-core i5-11400F remains capable for 1080p gaming and handles 1440p with the right GPU pairing. Thermal efficiency is reasonable, though it sits on the older LGA 1200 socket with limited upgrade paths.
Budget-conscious gamers might consider this quad-core option when significantly discounted. It handles light gaming and esports titles reliably but falls short for demanding AAA games. Better suited as a CPU for productivity builds rather than gaming focused systems.
Prioritise cores and clock speeds when shopping at this price tier. Modern 6-core processors from both Intel (12th gen and newer) and AMD (Ryzen 5000 series) provide the best value. Consider your GPU choice, as underpowered CPUs bottleneck graphics cards whilst overkill processors waste budget. Check socket compatibility with your motherboard before purchasing, as older chips use different sockets than current platforms. Watch for secondhand markets, where previous-generation CPUs often represent exceptional value. Budget-conscious builds should pair these CPUs with budget power supplies rated 500-650W and adequate CPU coolers, as stock solutions can thermal throttle under load.
Yes, most modern CPUs under £100 handle 1440p gaming comfortably when paired with appropriate graphics cards. The limiting factor becomes your GPU rather than the processor, provided you choose a recent 6-core model like the i5-12400F or Ryzen 5 5500. CPU-intensive games may show performance dips, but general gaming remains smooth.
F-variant CPUs lack integrated graphics, making them cheaper since you must use a dedicated graphics card. Non-F versions include iGPUs for display output without a discrete GPU. For gaming builds, the F variant saves money without affecting gaming performance.
Secondhand older-generation CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3600 often deliver excellent value under £100. New budget processors like the i3-12100F offer warranties and longer platform support. Choose secondhand if you prioritise performance-per-pound, or new if you want reliability guarantees and upgrade paths.
Budget CPUs remain viable for 3-4 years with modern games, though newer titles will eventually push them towards higher setting compromises. The rapid pace of game development means some demanding 2025+ titles may require stronger processors for high-refresh gaming. Purchase based on current needs rather than longevity concerns.
Match your CPU socket: Intel 12th gen uses LGA 1700, whilst Ryzen 5000 uses AM4. Budget B660 or B550 motherboards provide adequate features for gaming without unnecessary costs. Avoid pairing expensive Z-series boards with budget CPUs, as the investment doesn't translate to gaming performance gains.
